How long does it take to make homemade bagels from start to finish?

Making homemade bagels usually takes around 2–3 hours from mixing the dough through boiling and baking. If you plan to do a cold overnight ferment for deeper flavor, add extra resting time the night before, but the hands‑on time is often under two hours.

Why do you boil bagels before baking?

You boil bagels before baking to create that signature chewy crust and shiny exterior that set them apart from other breads. This brief kettle step helps the dough form a barrier that controls how the crust develops in the oven.

Can I use all‑purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all‑purpose flour, but your bagels will be less chewy and slightly softer. Bread flour has more protein, which gives your bagels that classic dense, chewy texture most people expect.

What’s the best way to store homemade bagels?

Store baked bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually; they’ll keep well for up to two months and taste great when reheated.

Homemade Bagels: Irresistible Chewy Recipe You’ll Love

Description

Making perfect homemade bagels is easy with this step-by-step guide. Enjoy chewy, golden-brown bagels fresh from your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1 tablespoon maple syrup or barley malt
1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1½ cups warm water
Optional for boiling: 1–2 tablespoons sweetener (honey or syrup)
Toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning

Cook Mode Keep your screen awake while you cook

Instructions

Activate yeast in warm water with sweetener until foamy

Mix flour and salt, combine with yeast mixture
Knead dough until smooth and elastic
Let dough rise until doubled
Divide dough into 8 pieces and shape into rings
Boil each bagel 60 seconds per side
Place bagels on parchment-lined sheet, apply egg wash, add toppings
Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown

Notes

For deeper flavor, refrigerate dough overnight before boiling

Adjust toppings to taste
Use bread flour for chewier texture

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bagel
Calories: 250
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 300
Fat: 2
Saturated Fat: 0.5
Unsaturated Fat: 1
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 50
Fiber: 2
Protein: 10
Cholesterol: 5